Novel “double-strut” fibula ankle arthrodesis for large tumor-related bone defect of distal tibia

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction for large bone defect of distal tibia after wide resection of tumor is difficult, and the best option remains controversial. This study presents a novel “double-strut” fibula ankle arthrodesis for this issue. METHODS: Nine patients with malignant or aggressive tumors of distal tibia underwent novel “double-strut” fibula ankle arthrodesis after wide tumor resection were retrospectively reviewed. We assessed the bone union time, complications and oncology outcome clinically and radiographically. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were used to evaluate the functional outcome. RESULTS: The average followup period was 53 ± 46 months. There was no deep infection or graft fracture observed in this series. Internal fixation loosening was found in one case. In these patients, eight achieved union at both proximal and distal junctions, while one achieved union only distally. The mean union time of the proximal junctions and distal junctions was 10.5 ± 1.6 months and 8.7 ± 2.3 months, respectively. The mean postoperative MSTS score was 83% ± 8%. The subscales of FAOS indicating the most problem was Sport and Recreation Function with a mean score of 18 ± 11. At the final follow-up, one of them (1/9, 11%) experienced local recurrence in soft tissue and received another resection surgery, and four (4/9, 44%) patients developed lung metastases. CONCLUSIONS: For large bone defect of distal tibia, this novel “double-strut” fibula reconstruction can be a viable alternative, which is capable of achieving durable ankle fusion and functional salvaged limb with low rate of complications. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12891-019-2742-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.